AMORPHOPHALLUS KONJAC - THE VOODOO LILY

摘要

There are over 200 species of Amorphophallus, exotic looking plants, mostly native to tropical Asia or Africa. The literal translation of the botanical name of this genus of bulbous plants is "deformed penis" It belongs to the Arum family. Most Amorphophallus are grown as curiosities except for a few grown for their edible root, such as the Japanese konjak (pronounced kohn-yak). In recent years, caudiciform lovers have become increasingly interested in the genus so more plants are becoming availablein garden shops. One of the more common, never the less, interesting species is the Amorphophallus konjac, the Voodoo Lily, also known as the stink lily or the corpse flower. The fleshy bulb is called a corm and spreads underground. The bulbs have to beas big as softballs before they will produce flowers. Voodoo lilies' are hardy in zones 6 through 11. Otherwise they must be dug in the fall and stored in a dark cool place until spring. Some time in late winter, the corm (if it is large enough) will send up a large protuberance called the spadix, which can grow 4 to 6 feet high.